837.00/4000: Telegram
The Ambassador in Cuba (Welles) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:35 p.m.]
297. My 294, September 22, 11 p.m. The interview of Batista with the opposition leaders was postponed until 3 o’clock this afternoon. The students have learned of it and have insisted upon being present.
I have very little hope of any agreement being reached owing to the interposition of the Student Council. The latter at half past 2 o’clock this morning issued a statement rejecting all compromise insisting that patriotic Cubans should support the present government and making it very plain that the students themselves and no others are the government.
Owing to peremptory orders issued by the political leaders here last night a halt was called to the revolutionary movement in Matanzas Province. The revolutionists, however, have retained their arms and are awaiting developments.